As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, many school districts struggle to create professional development programs tailored to this transformative technology.
This predicament often arises from the rapid changes in AI, making it difficult for district leaders to keep up and adequately prepare their educators.
Understanding Educators’ Concerns
Experts agree that offering any form of AI-related support or training can greatly ease teachers’ worries and hesitations about using this technology.
Furthermore, there is a strong interest among educators for such training, highlighting its importance in modern classrooms.
Overcoming the obstacles to AI training is possible with some thoughtful strategies.
At the K-12 Essentials Forum organized by Education Week, two district administrators shared their successful methods for incorporating AI training into teachers’ busy schedules.
Dyane Smokorowski, who is responsible for digital literacy in the Wichita school district, and Mary Catherine Reljac, superintendent of the Fox Chapel school district, provided valuable insights.
- Understand Teachers’ Concerns with AI
Many educators hesitate to dive into AI due to their already packed agendas.
To ease this transition, it’s vital to weave AI training seamlessly into current professional development offerings.
Conducting “empathy interviews” can help leaders identify the specific questions teachers have and the assistance they need to engage confidently with AI.
- Show Practical Classroom Applications for AI
Illustrating real-world applications of AI can enhance educators’ understanding and willingness to use it.
For instance, tools that convert text to images can aid English learners in grasping difficult concepts, while AI can help create inclusive assignment instructions, grading rubrics, or effective note-taking strategies for students.
- Foster ‘Purposeful Exploration’ in Training
Professional development shouldn’t just be about passive listening; it needs to be interactive.
The Wichita school district, for example, hosted a virtual family night where staff and their children explored various AI tools together.
This experience allowed teachers to draw on their newfound knowledge when they returned to the classroom.
- Clearly Communicate AI Policies
Unclear guidelines about AI usage can create hesitation among educators.
Therefore, it’s essential for district administrators to openly share AI policies with teachers, students, and families.
Transparency in these guidelines helps clarify expectations and fosters a more confident approach to AI integration.
- Engage Educators in AI Policy Development
Teachers play a critical role in shaping effective AI-related policies.
District leaders should actively involve educators in discussions about these guidelines, as their firsthand experiences in the classroom provide invaluable insights that can enhance policy relevance and effectiveness.
Empowering Educators for the Future
By focusing on these strategies, school districts can cultivate an informed and empowered teaching staff, ready to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education.
Source: Edweek